As with Nigeria, the opening game was supposed to be the Black Stars’ easiest in an otherwise daunting group.

Instead, the 2010 quarter-finalists were left empty-handed ahead of two grim ties against hot favourites Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

The last African team to enter the tournament, Algeria also tasted defeated in their opening Group H game against Belgium (2-1).

It was a heartbreaking loss for the “Desert Foxes”, who had led for much of the game.

But Algeria should draw confidence from their tactical acumen and tenacious defending against the highly-rated Belgians as they prepare to face South Korea and Russia, neither of which looked particularly impressive during their 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

If they can step up their attacking game, the “Desert Foxes” may find this is their best chance of qualifying for the knockout stages since 1982, when West Germany and Austria plotted Algeria’s downfall in a match forever known as the “Shame of Gijon”.